Gardens of Japan

Ongoing project of the beauty of the gardens of Japan

Ryouan-ji

One of the most famous dry gardens (karesansui) in Japan. This image only shows a portion of the garden but there are 15 rocks among the gravel. It has been constructed in such a way that, from ground level, one cannot see all 15 from one location.

Koyasan

Detail from a subtemple on Mount Koya (Koya-san), a UNESCO World Heritage site in Wakayama.

Kinkaku-ji

Nestled within the garden sits the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto.

Nanzen-ji

One of the many gardens of Nanzen-ji temple.

Nanzen-ji

Maple tree framed by the elevated walkway.

Bridge

Tenjuu-an is one of the often overlooked sub-temples of Nanzen-ji.

Eikan-do

Also found just off the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto.

Hounen-in

Another often overlooked temple and garden along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto.

Ginkaku-ji

Starting at the head (or the tail) of the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto sits the precincts of the Silver Pavilion.

Tofuku-ji

There are four gardens at Tofuku-ji in northern Kyoto. This moss garden is the north garden.

Tofuku-ji

The West garden at Tofuku-ji

Ryougin-an

Another of the dry gardens within Tofuku-ji.

Reiun-in

Sub-temple and associated dry garden of Tofuku-ji

Enkou-ji

Momiji in the spring

Nijo-jo

Nijo castle was built in the 17th Century by the ruling Tokugawa shogunate.

Tenryu-ji

Located in the western district of Arashiyama. A UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sogen Pond

Located in the western district of Arashiyama within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tenryu-ji. This style of garden is referred to as "shakkei" or borrowing of the surrounding landscape.

Shisen-do

Well off the beaten track in northern Higashiyama is Shisen-do and its pleasant dry garden.

Giou-ji

The most famous of the moss gardens in Kyoto is Saiho-ji (Kokedera) but if you decide that pre-booking your visiting time is too much hassle, the lesser known Giou-ji is highly recommended.